Elmwood School - Samara Yearbook (Ottawa, Ontario Canada)

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S A iM A R A 3 Dear Elmwoodians, Before we have quite realized it, another year has rolled to a close and our graduates are leaving behind their influence upon Elmwood and taking with them, in varying degrees, the knowledge of the things they have learned and the convictions of the truths at which they have arrived. I like to think that the intangibles will always remain permanent even though the book- learning is soon forgotten: for a good school is judged by the characters of the girls who leave it each year. The test of whether your experience at Elmwood has been worth while will depend upon what truth means to you. Is your mind capable of recognizing facts as they are? Is knowledge to you distinct from opinion and irrational conviction? Can vou lose yourself (your selfhood) in the things you contemplate? To the degree that this is possible, you have taken hold of truth, and, to the same degree, you can enjoy not only your own life but the life of the universe around you. I think it was Aristotle who said that in knowledge joined with love we have indeed the only lasting riches. Material things are a mere utility, something outside ourselves and of little intrinsic value; but the treasures of the heart and mind remain with us forever and are of eternal value. In this world where time is of the essence, we must learn to discern the things worthy of attention and to neglect the rest. In other words, we must learn where to put the emphasis and then to give it our whole-hearted support. God alone is the maker of truth. Never forget that when we receive it humbly from Him, we take the first step in a purposeful, exciting, and successful life. I Affectionately,

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A-lrs. Bruce, Headmistress, and Mrs. Stephen, Senior Mistress, with Lesley Gait, head boarder, and Diana Lawson, Head Girl.

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4 SAMARA cli tonal As it must happen to every school editor every year, I couldn ' t think of anything on which to base the editorial. I frantically read through old yearbooks in hope of inspiration. No use, however! It seemed to me that ninety percent of the editorials I read were directed to the graduating classes. Nothing wrong with that, but I wanted a topic I could write on that would concern all of Elmwood, even the staff. I grumbled to myself for quite some time about the injustice of having to write editorials. Then it struck me that everyone in the world (more often than not) will grumble and complain when he should be counting his blessings. Please forgive me if I turn this into a sermon — I ' m trying my best not to. Nevertheless, think of some of the ridiculous things we have complained and will complain about: too much homework, perhaps a detention for talking in prayers — or maybe we are furious because bad w eather ruined plans for a beach party. The list of complaints could go on forever in varying degrees of importance. How ridiculous it is when you stop to think! Here we are, healthy, happy people, in a beautiful free country, with nice homes and families and attending a well- known and respected school. This list of blessings could also go on forever if we thought about it long enough. We really haven ' t a right in the world to complain, especially when people in other countries are starving and unhappy. I could write pages on this subject, but I shall say just one thing more. The next time you find yourself complaining about one thing or another — stop for just a second. Remind yourself how very lucky you are — and thank God. TTlagazine Staff EDITOR — SUE HAMILTON Advertising — Judy Ewing Assistant — Ann McDowell Literary: Judy Brown, Cathy Bratton, Carolyn Strauss, Sue Southam, Photography — Lex Thoman. Sports — Di Smith, Heather Blaine.